Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, looked incredible in new pictures as she accompanied Prince William at Spiral Skills in Lambeth, wearing a grey check dress by Alessandra Rich with a Peter Pan collar.

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If the endless rain is anything to go by, autumn has officially arrived. The upside? We can start drowning ourselves in cosy, sensual fragrance again – and this new release may be sexiest we’ve tried.

A hot-off-the-press new release, Cherry Stem Eau De Parfum from PHLUR is cherry but not as you know it, boasting sweet, tart and warm notes that’ll have you (and everyone who smells it on you) absolutely hooked.

Cherry has already been coined the fragrance of the season, and this complex yet sumptuously satisfying scent is leading the charge, boasting the perfect level of fruity sweetness without being sickly.

Phlur Cherry Stem 50ml

Get sultry with PHLUR's new cherry scent for the season. With each spritz you’ll find top notes of Black Cherry and Orange Brandy, heart notes of Red Freesia, Sugared Jasmine and Plum Nectar, and base notes of Ebony Woods, Caramel and Soft Leather Accord – the perfect blend for those seductive evenings.

shop £99

Perfect suited to moody evenings, chilled winds and cosy fireplaces, Cherry Stem has been designed to be your go-to this season, emulating the timeless cherry-coded trend – but better.

A cocktail of juicy, dark, lacquered fruits served with a twist, this stunning perfume combines black cherry and lush plum nectar with ebony wood and sugared jasmine to create a swirl of bold warmth, while hints of leather and a spike of citrus develop into a cherry scent that’s far from artificial.

Think sharp cherry pie, ripe fruits picked straight from the tree, tart and unctuous jam.

With each spritz you’ll find top notes of Black Cherry and Orange Brandy, heart notes of Red Freesia, Sugared Jasmine and Plum Nectar, and base notes of Ebony Woods, Caramel and Soft Leather Accord – the perfect blend for those seductive evenings.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I received this perfume – my experience with gourmand cherry scents in the past had been fairy negative, and I desperately hoped it wouldn’t follow in the footsteps of too-sweet and sickly predecessors. Needless to say my worries were in vain.

Jammy and tart, this gorgeous perfume from PHLUR is utterly sexy, sweet enough to satisfy but boasting the perfect amount of musky, leathery accord to keep you coming back for more.

Gourmand but not as you know it, this fresh-yet-warm scent is perfect for those looking for a new staple autumn and winter scent, set to fit in perfectly at candle-lit wine bars and moody dates. I, for one, have found my new staple, cold-weather fragrance in Cherry Stem.

Exclusive to Space NK, Cherry Stem is available in a full-size 50ml (£99) and a 9.5ml travel size (£32), perfect if you like having a large bottle for every day and a smaller bottle for slipping in your bag.

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We all lead busy lives, so it can be hard to factor in time for ourselves around the 9-5, school run, or studies, let alone making time for a workout. 

The last thing we often want to do after a long day in the office, a commute home, is to run a marathon, or traipse to a gym session, only to get home and have little time to cook dinner, watch our favourite series, and sleep. We’d rather skip to the dinner, bath, movie marathon and bed parts.  Yes, we have reverted back to being a baby. 

Now that autumn is drawing closer it is even harder to find the motivation to exercise, but weight loss app Simple has made exercising exactly that – simple! 

Simple’s Chair Yoga went viral for making exercising for a minimum of 10 minutes a day easy, accessible and fun. 

Chair Yoga is exactly that, a programme designed for beginners, advanced fitness buffs, as well as people of all ages, to move their body. It draws on the basic principles of mobility training and low-impact yoga, and centres it around the chair, which we are often glued to. So there really is no excuse not to move your body. 

It is super simple to join the programme, especially now customers can sign up to a personalised plan for half price. 

To secure your own personalised plan is simple (pardon the pun). All you have to do is select your age group and gender. To complete your personal profile you need to share your fitness goals, whether it is to lose weight, get firm and toned, relieve stress, or improve heart health. 

Customers will be asked if they have practiced chair yoga before (be honest), describe their body type between regular, flabby and extra, before sharing their ‘dream body’, which is either fit, athletic or shapely.  You are then asked to share your target area, either arms, legs, stomach or chest, as well as your height, weight – as it calculates your BMI – before sharing your desired weight. 

To personalise your programme even further, Simple asks your activity level, if you have practiced yoga before, as well as the desired time you can allocate to a workout. Other questions include your diet plan, eating habits, if you are experiencing any pain, have injuries, or are going through the menopause. The key (and final) question is how ready you are to take action. 

The personalised plan is then created and emailed to you, which is when payment is required. 

This plan will not only include Chair Yoga, and recommended movements for your specific needs and goals, but a meal plan too. Plus, a personalised wellness assistant will be on hand 24/7 – it’s basically your own PT on speeddial. 

The plans can vary in cost from a one-week trial for £17.77, a four-week plan costs £38.95, or a 12-week plan fetches £66.65. However, the sale sees these prices slash to £6.93, £15.1, and £25.99 respectively. 

So, all you have to do is complete the form, and start your fitness journey – all while sitting on a chair! It’s unsurprising the programme has been such a success. 

We’re adding to basket, now.

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Victoria Beckham wins 2025’s most leg-lengthening look for sheer dress as she joins husband David and children Cruz and Harper at son Romeo’s 23rd birthday party.

Waking up drenched in sweat occasionally is nothing to worry about — especially after a bad dream or on a hot night.

But if this is a constant thing for you, it may be cause for concern.

On X, the NHS warned patients that although it’s a ‘common’ symptom to experience every so often, ‘if you regularly wake up with soaking wet sheets, you should see a GP.’

According to the health service, a night sweats are when you sweat so much that your night clothes and bedding are soaked, ‘even though where you’re sleeping is cool.’

Both adults and children can suffer with them, and sometimes the cause is unknown.

However, Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor tells Metro they’re ‘particularly common during the menopause transition’ due to how hormones impact body temperature.

What constitutes ‘regular’ night sweats will differ for each person and depending on other factors, but Dr Wylie defines it as ‘several times a week or in a pattern that persists over a number of weeks’.

‘The reason is that persistent or unexplained night sweats can sometimes be linked to underlying health conditions such as infections, thyroid problems, diabetes, or, less commonly, certain cancers such as lymphoma,’ she explains.

‘They can also be a side effect of some medications, including antidepressants.’

Other health issues that can lead to night sweats include anxiety, obstructive sleep apnea, or a condition called hyperhidrosis that causes excessive perspiration.

Or, they may simply be down to lifestyle factors like eating spicy foods, consuming caffeine or alcohol, or exercising late at night.

Either way, Dr Wylie says it’s ‘sensible’ to chat to your GP, adding: ‘That allows us to check for any underlying cause and, if nothing concerning is found, to give reassurance.’

Underlying conditions aside, night sweats are important to address due to how they impact your sleep.

Even if you get the recommended seven to nine hours overall, interrupted sleep can affect your brain function, physical health, and emotional well-being.

Our bodies and brains go through several rounds of a four-stage sleep cycle each night, with the third phase – known as N3, delta sleep or deep sleep – believed to be the most restorative.

When you wake up before or during this, you’re missing out on vital recovery and growth — and by disrupting the cycle, you’ll likely feel extra tired the next day.

To prevent a disturbed night’s shut-eye, practice good sleep hygiene by avoiding screens before bed, keeping your room dark and quiet, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. In terms of night sweats more specifically, steering clear of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, and keeping your room nice and cool should help.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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Nothing ruins the look of a cute top quite like a bulky bra – but as someone with a bigger bust, going without isn’t really an option if I want to look and feel properly supported.

So, when Abercrombie & Fitch announced earlier this year, that they were releasing a Bra-Free Collection, I was instantly intrigued.

From cute staple camis and bodysuits, to statement tops with flattering ruched detailing and plunging necklines, each piece in the collection is sleek, shaping, and versatile enough to easily dress up or down. But most importantly, every single item has been cleverly constructed to provide you with ample comfort and support – without the need to wear a bra.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m by no means saying that a bit of double-lined fabric and a built-in support shelf would have me confident enough to do cartwheels without fearing a nip slip. But for everyday wear, this A&F collection has gone down seriously well with most customers – including those with bigger busts.

‘I’m a 36E, and I still feel so comfortable without a bra when I wear this top,’ one customer wrote in her review of the Bra-Free 90s Cami – which has undoubtedly been the collection’s best-selling piece.

Ready to break-up with your bra? Here are a few of my top picks from the collection that are still in-stock. Bye, bye, uncomfortable underwire!

Bra-Free 90s Cami

With its slim-fitting silhouette, and stylish scoop neckline, it’s no surprise that this 90s-inspired cami instantly became a bestseller in the collection. Made with the sculpting and smoothing softAF cotton-blend seamless fabric, adjustable shoulder straps, and removable pads, you’ll have no problem getting the right level of support.

BUY NOW FOR £22

Bra-Free Plunge Ruched Top

Looking for a simple yet chic top to pair with jeans for evening drinks? This one comes in three different neutral colours, and boasts flattering ruched detailing along the bodice – as well as a plunging v-neckline that’s especially flattering for bigger busts.

BUY NOW FOR £45

The A&F Ava Top

As well as classic black and white, this gorgeous Ava top also comes in three stunning sorbet shades that feel perfect for summer – sage, violet, and this pretty pale yellow. An elegant and figure-hugging option, the pretty portrait neckline is really uniquely flattering, and the double-layered fabric ensures a truly supportive fit.

BUY NOW FOR £35

Bra-Free Plunge Bodysuit

Perfect when paired with jeans and strappy sandals, this chic plunging bodysuit comes in white, light grey, brown, and black – and is guaranteed to make a staple addition to any wardrobe. It’s soft, stretchy, and seriously sculpting.

BUY NOW FOR £35

Double Lined Baby Tee

Another retro-inspired silhouette, this slim-fitting baby tee is a brilliant basic that you’ll undoubtedly want to buy in every single colour. Double-lined in a smooth and seamless cotton-blend fabric, it’s thick enough to provide ample coverage and support – but still isn’t too hot to wear on warm summer days.

BUY NOW FOR £20

The A&F Zoe Bra-Free Lace Top

With its stylish sweetheart neckline, on-trend capped sleeves, figure-hugging fit, and removable pads for added coverage, there’s a lot to love about the stunning Zoe top. In this soft lace fabric and delicate white finish, it feels like a spot-on sexy and summery option.

BUY NOW FOR £35

Bra-Free 90s Cami Bodysuit

This bodysuit version of the iconic 90s cami is constructed with the same softAF seamless fabric and adjustable shoulder straps for a seriously sculpting and smoothing fit – the only difference is that it has a square neckline, instead of scooped. It comes in loads of colours, but this bright red option immediately caught my eye.

BUY NOW FOR £35

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I can’t do this.

That’s what I remember thinking as I lay wailing in my bed, my mother stroking my hair. My heart felt like it was hammering against my chest, my breathing was quick and shallow, and every fibre of my body was tense.   

I was certain I was dying, and I was terrified.   

This was February 2025, during my second mental breakdown. I’d had my first four years earlier and hoped I’d gone through the worst of my mental illness – I was wrong.  

This time it was much worse, partly because I was completely and utterly burnt out, and yet, it’s been six months and I still haven’t received any treatment on the NHS.  

Like so many others – on average, there are 16,522 people waiting for treatment 18 months after the initial referral – I’m just another name on a long list of those waiting to get help from mental health services. 

I’ve always been an anxious person. Since childhood, I’ve suffered with incredibly low self-esteem, rapidly fluctuating moods, and difficulties controlling my anger. But it took until my mid-twenties to be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Still, I never thought I’d end up in A&E. 

In 2021, during an already stressful stage of my life – my then-partner and I weren’t happy together, I was struggling to establish myself as a freelance journalist, and was generally feeling lost – I had a slight reaction from the hair dye my hairdresser used.

Due to having severe health anxiety, I started to worry the tingling on my scalp was something serious. This ultimately triggered three days of continuous panic attacks; a sustained onslaught of feeling like I was about to die at any moment.   

Even once they eased, I spent the next two weeks convinced this feeling of pure, undiluted fear wouldn’t stop. That I’d be stuck like this forever. 

To be trapped in fight or flight mode for such a prolonged period of time is awful. There’s no respite.

As a result, my road to recovery took months. I received help from the NHS crisis team who checked in every day to see how I was doing and was also referred to local mental health services. However, due to the wait, I ended up paying to see a private therapist.  

Despite having a lot to overcome – including the break down of my 10-and-a-half year relationship – in that time, I did eventually weather the storm and, rather naively, I thought I’d never hit rock bottom again.

Fast forward to February 2025, however, and I was struggling again. Stresses at my full-time job led to burnout and, by the time I took a week off on the recommendation of my boss, I was emotionally and physically exhausted.

That’s when I experienced my second breakdown.   

Just like before, I was having panic attacks multiple times a day: I couldn’t eat, I barely slept, and every twinge and ache was a sign, I thought, that I was on the cusp of death. And, this time, I was too drained to claw my way out of the hole I found myself in.  

It was so bad that my mother came to stay with me for a few days because I couldn’t handle being alone when my new partner went to work.  

At its worst, I lay shaking and sobbing on my bed as my partner spoke to the doctor. All I remember him saying was that I couldn’t be left like this and that he was incredibly worried about me.

My GP prescribed me some diazepam there and then, over the phone, and made a fresh referral on my behalf to the local mental health services.

Yet even in my distressed state, I wasn’t foolish enough to think I’d get help immediately – my previous, awful, experiences had made me jaded.

Unsurprisingly, I’d still not heard anything about the referral almost two weeks later. It was only when I raised this with my GP and they chased the referral, that I finally had a telephone assessment on March 13.

This isn’t a form of treatment though. Rather, it’s a means of helping local services determine where to send you next.   

Despite my medical notes from that call clearly stating that my self-harm risk at that time was ‘significant’, I still wasn’t fast-tracked for any type of treatment. 

I’m not ignorant to the strain on NHS resources, but to have someone go months without treatment after having a mental breakdown is disgraceful. Without such a strong support network around me, I dread to think where I’d be today.  

It wasn’t until July that I finally received an in-person appointment with a clinician to assess next steps.

She took a detailed account of my mental health history, told me I might get a medicine review, and that I’d be given information about progressing with an autism assessment. 

Unfortunately, nothing has happened since – I haven’t even had therapy. 

The end of August marked six months of me waiting. Six months of having to endure this mental health crisis without the aid of services designed to help people like me.  

How am I – how is anyone – meant to get their lives back on track when there is so little help readily available?   

I’ve been passed around from GPs to clinicians like the last chocolate in the tin nobody wants. Their polite and sympathetic demeanour means little when I’m so desperately in need of treatment. So, quite frankly, I’m angry.  

And the fact that gimmicks like free football tickets are being trialled as a way to treat mental health, is laughable. It isn’t the solution we’re begging for.

Subtle, minimal changes aren’t enough to improve NHS mental health services. A complete overhaul, alongside a significant influx of funding, is needed.  

There needs to be proactive care options rather than reactive ones and we need appointments when we’re in need, not once we’ve hazily navigated our way through the fog by ourselves. And to be honest, any kind of update on care would be a step up from where we are now.

Sadly, I don’t think any of this will happen any time soon, so all I can do now is chase up referrals and wait for some kind of response. Constantly having to advocate for yourself because health professionals aren’t is soul destroying.

Nobody should have to beg for treatment. And yet the fact remains that I’m one of the lucky ones: many people who don’t manage to hold on long enough to receive treatment.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

I couldn’t get out of bed. I felt drained, constantly. All my body wanted was more sleep.

When I did drift off, I woke up not knowing where I was, sweating so much I was soaking wet and freezing. My muscles and joints ached and I had migraine-like headaches and a persistently sore throat. 

For about six years, this was my life as someone severely affected by a condition known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). 

It is a complex, long-term medical condition that affects a person’s ability to function. The most common symptom is extreme, debilitating fatigue, that can be worsened by activity and isn’t improved by sleep.  

This in turn affects thinking, memory, speech, standing, walking, sleep and daily tasks. 

An estimated 404,000 people inthe UK are affected and sadly, it isn’t a condition anyone can predict. For many, the trigger is an infection (either viral or bacterial). 

My symptoms began in July 1999, after I became ill while on holiday with friends in Greece. What I thought was food poisoning was diagnosed by Greek doctors as a non-specific infection. 

Back home in Jersey, I was treated in hospital for dehydration and had tests to determine the infection’s source. I was discharged without any answers, only to end up back there weeks later after having seizures. 

A year on, I was no better and hadn’t been able to return to work. As well as the crippling, flu-like symptoms, I was increasingly frustrated and confused that no one could say what was wrong with me.

Eventually, in May, 2000, having ruled out every other condition, my GP diagnosed ME/CFS. 

I prayed for a different diagnosis, one that was more accepted and visible – ME/CFS is regarded with skepticism by many, including medical professionals.  

It’s something that I experienced – when I was discharged from hospital, a senior healthcare professional told me to just push through it. 

Luckily, my employer offered me a disability pension. I was delighted that they were supporting me in this way, but also regretful that it marked the end of my promising career.  

But it was hard. I tried to push through even when my body was screaming not to and this led to an erratic, persistent period of relapse and relative remission. 

I became very depressed and eventually tried to take my own life. I worried about the future, my independence; grief became too much for me to cope with. I just couldn’t see a way out. 

My daily life became unrecognisable from before. I got through it with distractions – by setting small goals like listening to the radio or watching TV if I was bed bound. Or if I was able to read, I would start one sentence at a time, until I had to stop.

In 2003, I was referred to Professor Anthony Pinching, aspecialist in immunology with an interest in ME/CFS. He was the first doctor who validated my experiences and prescribed a drug that reduced my nausea and vertigo, which eventually contributed to stabilising my symptoms more generally. 

By 2005, I was able to go to college part-time which led to university full-time as a mature student reading ancient history at Lampeter. 

The course made me feel very welcome as a disabled student – I could access various tools like speech-to-text, virtual lectures, extended deadlines, and peer support. Sadly, repeated bouts of ‘freshers flu’ meant I missed the dissertation deadline and ended up leaving university. 

I felt gutted and it felt never ending.   

During this time, however, a referral to Cornwall’s ME/CFS specialist service and access to other professionals followed, all of whom helped me learn how to live with the limitations of my condition and improve my quality of life.

They reinforced that ME/CFS was a real medical condition and I felt validated.

It was also the first time I got to meet other people with ME/CFS – it was incredibly helpful to hear that their stories were similar to mine, and to realise I wasn’t alone. 

It took a long time to see meaningful changes, but, gradually, my physical ability and my cognitive function improved considerably to the degree that 10 years ago, I was able to start working for the charity The ME Association as a part-time volunteer.  

Since then I have worked my way up to becoming the Head of Project Development full-time. 

I’m lucky to have an understanding, flexible employer, who allows me to work from home all the time. 

Returning to work has enabled me to regain some independence and my new furry friend, Buster, has brought a lot of joy back into my life. 

I still live with ME/CFS but I am better able to cope with and manage the condition and other aspects of my health. 

But the Department of Health must take ME/CFS seriously. It needs to provide appropriate care and fund more research if we are to ever understand what causes this degree of chronic ill-health. 

Only then will all ME/CFS patients be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel and live life the way I am – happily, at last. 

ME/CFS never leaves you and you never know if you’re going to relapse but I’m resilient and try to maximise the pleasure and enjoyment that I get out of life.   

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

Opening up to a friend after I was diagnosed with ADHD, I voiced my struggles with time blindness, lateness, general disorganisation, and emotional dysregulation.

‘But isn’t it normal to get a little bit distracted sometimes? I probably have ADHD too, if that’s the case’ she said to me. My heart sank, feeling both rejected and my life experiences diminished in one simple interaction. I doubt she meant to upset me, but her words stung.

There’s an increasing perception that having ADHD is becoming a ‘trend’ or a ‘personality quirk.’

Just like OCD has been carelessly thrown about as being neat and tidy, ADHD is starting to become synonymous with making seemingly normal, harmless mistakes like misplacing a purse, or being 10 minutes late to a coffee date.

As soon as I first read about ADHD in women, I knew that I had it. I once lost my house keys and paid my landlord for another set, only to find them wedged down the back of the sofa when I moved out.

I also impulsively switched subjects during my GCSEs, A Levels and university; I had my library card revoked at the age of 10 after I failed to return the books I’d borrowed, and I’d spent my whole life feeling that my brain was simply a little bit different.

So, does everyone really have ADHD now? Or are we just being equipped with the tools to navigate our own brains, and connecting with a like-minded community in the process?

Have ADHD diagnoses increased in the last few years?

In 2023, a study from UCL found that the number of people being diagnosed with ADHD has increased over the last 20 years, but this doesn’t mean that ‘everyone’ has it now.

Between 2000 and 2018, there was a twenty-fold increase in ADHD diagnoses, rising to an almost fifty-fold increase in prescriptions issued to men aged 18-29.

Largely owing to medical misogyny that favours research into symptoms in men and boys, women are still largely going undetected: the ADHD Foundation estimates that between 50 and 70% of the 1,000,000 women in the UK living with ADHD are undiagnosed.

There might’ve been an increase in people seeking help for ADHD in recent years, but that doesn’t mean that the condition is becoming more common. It still only impacts between 2% and 6% of the world’s population.

Likewise, a 2025 review from King’s College London looked at 40 studies across 17 countries and concluded that the prevalence of ADHD (AKA, the number of people living with a condition within a specific timeframe) hasn’t increased since 2020.

The author, Dr Alex Martin, noted that while much of the media has been concerned about a ‘surge’ in ADHD diagnoses, both ‘assessments and help-seeking’ are snowballing – which goes some way towards explaining why it might feel like more people have it now.

There are also multiple barriers to diagnosis, including excessive NHS waiting times (as long as eight years in some parts of the UK), and the hefty cost of a private diagnosis, which averages out at £1,200 for adults. For many, self-diagnosis is their only option – and that’s valid.

Meeting the threshold for diagnosis

Getting an ADHD diagnosis isn’t an easy task, and psychiatrists certainly aren’t handing them out like they’re lollipops. To qualify, adults need to align with at least five symptoms on the DSM-5, the framework that’s used to detect it.

As psychologist and clinical director Dr Andrea Pickering tells Metro, various symptoms of ADHD might seem relatable to the general non-neurodivergent public.

But what differentiates these symptoms between being a normal part of life and being suggestive of neurodiversity is the frequency with which they happen and how debilitating they are.

‘The key difference is that for someone with ADHD, these symptoms are persistent, pervasive and significantly impact their ability to function in daily life, across multiple settings such as work, school and relationships,’ Dr Andrea, from Clinical Partners, explains.

ADHD isn’t just being ‘scatterbrained’ or ‘disorganised’: in Andrea’s words, it’s a ‘neurodevelopmental condition rooted in differences in brain structure and function.’

And so, a diagnosis doesn’t just require checking off a few traits, but a ‘detailed evaluation to understand the full context of a person’s life and challenges.’

As part of an ADHD assessment, psychiatrists will look at the pattern, intensity, and consistency of symptoms over time, even going as far as to ask a parent or family member to testify that their loved one’s symptoms have longevity and started before the age of 12.

When I was diagnosed in November 2021, I asked my mum to fill out the forms for me. Thankfully, she was able to recall with colour the school reports that were constantly telling me I was bright but needed to pay attention to detail and listen more; the eye tics that saw me blinking multiple times in a row, and my persistently hyperactive nature.

I used to enjoy talking so much that I’d ask my parents if I could read my book aloud to them; my room was almost never tidy, and I had trouble paying attention in the classroom, often doodling into the line margins of my exercise books.

So at the age of 23, I almost cried when I heard the words: ‘you have combined ADHD’ from my psychiatrist, as in one short moment, years of suffering were validated.

Thankfully, I’d been able to skip the lengthy NHS waiting queue and had the cost of my private diagnosis funded through Right to Choose, so I was diagnosed within a matter of months, rather than years.

Do you have ADHD, or is modern life just overwhelming?

The reality is that, in the modern world, many of us will be feeling burnt out and overwhelmed by information. So, is it any surprise that we’re increasingly distractible?

As Dr Andrea explains: ‘There’s certainly growing evidence that people feel their environment – especially constant exposure to digital devices, social media and multitasking – can reduce attention spans and increase distractibility, even in people without ADHD.’

With this in mind, the ‘human brain simply didn’t evolve to handle the level of information and stimulation we now face daily.’

‘But while modern life can make anyone feel distracted, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition with symptoms that are consistent, long-standing and impairing across multiple areas of life,’ she reminds us.

So, whenever I hear people trivialising ADHD, I can’t help but feel angry. It’s not a quirky personality trait: it’s an incredibly debilitating condition, and it’s exhausting navigating a world designed by and for neurotypical people. ADHD isn’t just losing your wallet or being a little bit ‘scatty’: it’s so much more than that.

Neurodiversity is finally in the limelight, and with awareness increasing, so many more people are sharing their stories. No doubt, it’s saving lives.

But the truth is that awareness without understanding is useless, and to suggest that ‘everyone has it’ diminishes the experiences of those who actually live with it. And no, it’s not a ‘superpower.’

You don’t have ADHD if you just forget your keys sometimes; you’re probably just a regular human being living in an increasingly hectic world.

This article was first published on June 22, 2025.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Genuine question, who doesn’t love shopping at Aldi? No one, that’s who.

The German retailer’s stores have become a safe space where social divides aren’t a thing, because at the end of the day, everyone loves a bargain.

And you can definitely snag yourself a great deal when it comes to Aldi’s wine range.

With the exception of their £14.95 Veuve Monisgny Brut (which was recently crowned the world’s best Champagne), it’s the bottles under £10 you should be looking at.

It sounds counterintuitive, but the range comes alive below a tenner – I’d dare to say Aldi has one of the best ranges of any supermarket at that price level.

How does Aldi keep its prices so low?

The inside scoop is that Aldi achieves its micro prices through a combination of winning buying strategies.

The first is purchasing in enormous quantities, which brings the price down via economies of scale. They buy upfront, and in advance, which gives them leverage to negotiate better deals.

They’ll also seek out small parcels of stock going spare from respected producers, sometimes in lesser-known areas, flogging it on a seasonal basis.

And Aldi works with cooperatives (large conglomerates of grape growers), who they commission to make their own-label wines. This gives them complete control right the way along the buying chain and it’s clearly working well for them as they won ‘Own Label Range of the Year’ at the prestigious Grocer Gold Awards 2025.

Speaking of awards, Aldi’s Austrian Zweigelt (£7.99) recently earned a silver accolade at the International Wine and Spirits Challenge (IWSC) 2025.

What does this mean? Well, according to David Kermode, Senior Judge at the IWSC winning a silver medal is ‘incredibly challenging’.

He explained: ‘It has to be a wine that is not only an enjoyable drinking experience, but also represents the quintessential example of a grape variety or style.

‘I would always choose a silver medal-winning wine from the shelves with great confidence.’

With that in mind, here are my picks for the best in show at Aldi right now. Some are award-winners, others just get my vote…

Specially Selected Crémant de Loire, £8.99

Award: Silver at Decanter Wine Awards 2025

Not to diminish the shine of Aldi’s delicious Veuve Monisgny Champagne being crowned Best Champagne in the World 2025, but I can’t remember the last time I tasted a fizz of such knockout value for money. Especially when you consider it’s made in the same way as Champagne.

Flavour-wise, we’re taking fresh pears, fennel and green apple which, give this dry and crisp fizz a beautiful intensity.

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut, £14.95

Award: Gold at the World Champagne Awards 2025

It’s very rich and opulent on the nose, clean and lean on the palate with lime blossom and greengage flavours and a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Specially Selected Stellenbosch Chardonnay, £6.99

Award: Three stars from Rob

£6.99 doesn’t do this scrumptious south African wine justice, if you ask me. It’s rich, minerally, voluptuous with a combination of tropical mango and papaya and citrussy lime notes which go on forever. Really rather delicious.

Freeman’s Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, £6.99

Award: Silver (90 Points) at the International Wine and Spirits Competition 2025

The IWSC nailed this one, which I’m sure they’re incredibly relieved about. Here we have 86% Sauvignon Blanc with 14% Chardonnay for a creamy, tropical, nettley, herbaceous Kiwi sauvignon with unripe (in a good way) greengage sherbet on the finish.

Chassaux et Fils Sainte Victoire Côtes de Provence Rosé, £10.99

Award: Silver at the International Wine Challenge and Global Rosé Masters 2025

Aren’t we done with rosé now we’re in September? No. Partly because summer doesn’t official end until Monday 22^nd September and partly because rosé shouldn’t be seasonal.

Take this pink, with more rich and pillowy wild strawberry character than you can shake a Christmas bauble at. And don’t be put off with the ‘just over £10’ of it all, it’s still an absolute steal for Provence rosé.

Specially Selected Cigales Rosado, £8.99

Award: Brand new to the range

If ever there was such a thing as a winter rosé, this is it.

It’s produced just north of Valladolid in Spain, in a lesser-known region called Cigales, synonymous with producing rosé.

Super aromatic, a little bit smoky with a deliciously intense palate of pomegranate, cherry tomato and Mediterranean herbs. An interesting wine that nails a roast lamb pairing.

Specially Selected Australian Merlot, £8.49

Award: Silver at the International Wine Challenge

Merlot is basically built around pillowy plum flavours, and this one nails the brief. It’s juicy, highly gluggable with endless spiced plum and damson flavours and a lovely lighter-weight texture.

Be sure to give it twenty minutes in the fridge before sipping.

Château Les Trois Manoirs Médoc, £8.99

Award: A thumbs up from Rob

I swore off recommending Bordeaux around the £5 mark, remember?

Well, this one is slightly more spendy and definitely Rob Buckhaven-approved.

It’s largely Merlot at 85%, with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, no wonder it’s so utterly gluggable (my new favourite word), with soft tannins, plus hedgerow fruit, plums and dark chocolate.

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